Tamworth Pig- The Ark of Taste Nomination

Tamworth Pigs

Young Tamworth Pigs

The first Tamworth pigs arrived in eastern Canada in 1877 and
grew in popularity relatively quickly. The breed was appreciated as a low-maintenance breed and
described as an “easy keeper.” Popular on many Canadian farms from east to west until the mid-20th
century, Tamworths accounted for 5-10% of the pure breed swine population in Canada by the
1950s, but today their numbers have declined dramatically. The estimated Canadian Tamworth
population is under 500 animals. Between 2001-2005 there were only 92 new animals registered to
pure breed registries in the entire country.
Ironically, it is the breed’s natural strengths that have led to its decline. The Tamworth is a very
hardy animal, making it especially well-matched to adverse climates like that of Canada where they
do well even during severe winters. They are ideally suited to outdoor production, grazing
compatibly with cattle, being able to retrieve forage that cattle leave behind in the open pasture. In
addition, they are very efficient at rooting for food in the forest or pasture, making them ideal for
forage-based farming systems. Tamworths do not thrive in large-scale, intensive confined rearing
methods, but more modern breeds do.
The Tamworth is one of the oldest pig breeds in Europe and is the most direct descendant of
Europe’s native pig stock. It originated in the Midlands of England in the early 1800s. A medium
sized pig, boars weigh from 535–800 pounds and sows 450–650 pounds. Sows are noted as attentive,
good mothers to their piglets with litters ranging in size from six to ten piglets. They are also known
for their good disposition and enjoy human attention. In addition to their tolerance to extreme
weather conditions seen in Canada, they are also resistant to disease and their ginger colour protects
them from sunburn. Tamworths are favoured the most by bacon curers because of their length and
depth of sides, light waste, and their large portion of lean red meat to fat. However, the Tamworth is
highly adaptable and suited to both quality pork and bacon production, particularly in grazing
operations.
Raised today by a small number of dedicated producers, the Canadian Tamworth population is in
critical danger. With the world population of Tamworths estimated at under 4,000 it is essential that
we do our utmost to protect this breed and encourage production. The Tamworth is a part of
Canadian agricultural heritage and we hope that by adding it to the Canadian Ark of Taste we can
increase knowledge and support of this wonderful heritage breed and spur additional production that
will not only preserve the current population but also ensure its success in the future.
Name of person responsible for nominating product:
Tabitha Steager
Chair, Canadian Ark of Taste
Convivium: Okanagan (Leader)
Address:
15069 Old Mission Rd.
Oyama, BC V4V 2A9
Canada
Phone: (250) 548-3514
Email: tsteager@gmail.com